What does a computer processor do?

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A computer processor, which is commonly referred to as a CPU, is responsible for fetching, decoding, executing and writing back information that it receives from the coding that is present in programs. A CPU is the main unit in a computer that allows the computer to function using programmable information and a user interface.

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The first process that the CPU works to achieve is the fetching of data that is coded into computer programs. It will be able to pick up this data from various computer programs. It will then be able to decode the information that is on the program. Information that is contained in a program is made up of a series of numbers and symbols that would not be able to make sense to most humans. The CPU takes this information and interprets it into a language that makes sense.

When a program sends this information to the CPU, it is often looking for the CPU to make use of the information. Whether it is simply reading a document in a word processing program or it is turning the computer off and on, it will be able to execute the codes that are sent to it. If necessary, the CPU can send information from the computer back to the program.